Tag Archive | "Tsonga"

Posted on 08 August 2010

Mardy Fish and Mark Knowles fought back in the final of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic overcoming Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek 4-6,7-6,10-7 to bag their second title as a team.

Berdych and Stepanek sprinted to a 3-0 advantage by breaking Knowles and Fish twice in the first set. Then, with a love hold, Stepanek further extended their lead to 4-0. Knowles and Fish managed to break once. Nevertheless, with the insurance break, the Czechs took the set.

Knowles and Fish have been a tandem since February 2008 while their Czech counterparts usually play doubles only in the Davis Cup. Moreover, for Berdych and Stepanek, this was their first ATP doubles final as a team. Thus, Knowles and Fish called upon their experience to weather the storm especially after Knowles double faulted in the second set to give their opponents a 3-2 edge which they consolidated for 4-2. Later though, with Berdych serving at 40-30, Fish struck a forehand down the line winner to force a deciding point. With Berdych double faulting, the set was squared at 4 all. Ultimately, a tiebreaker was played.

Off a sensational forehand return by Fish, Stepanek dumped the forehand volley in the net. Down the road, Fish made another volley winner to give his team a double mini-break for 5-2. Next, on a miscue from the Czechs, Knowles and Fish had three set points. Stepanek and Berdych battled back for 6 all. Subsequently, on an error, Stepanek and Berdych were at 7-6 and championship point. Again, Fish and Knowles produced some remarkable shots to stay afloat and steal the tiebreaker.

In the super-tiebreaker, with Berdych’s backhand sailing long, Knowles and Fish had a mini-break for 1-0. On a Fish forehand error, Berdych and Stepanek got back on serve for 3-4. But, with a net court favoring Fish and Knowles, that pair regained a mini-break for 5-3. Again, the Czechs climbed back to make it 7 all. Soon, on a superb return by Fish, Stepanek flubbed the volley giving Fish and Knowles championship at 9-7. The pair won the next point to capture the trophy.

After the match, MiamiTennisNews and one other media outlet sat down to talk to Fish and Knowles. For 38 year old Knowles, this was his 53rd doubles title. Therefore, MiamiTennisNews wanted to know:
Q. At your age, what keeps you still motivated and what has been the key to your success?
Knowles: I still enjoy playing and competing . . . It’s a challenge competing against the current players. I’ve seen the game evolve a little bit from when I first started. It still gives me a high to compete at this level and win.

Q. Is it more difficult though with having a family?
Knowles: I play less now because of a wife and two kids. This year was a little difficult. I was injured at the start of the season and I was out for three months. Mardy and I have agreed to play doubles this year which is an exciting prospect. Things have taken a while to develop because of my injury but things are going well now.

Posted on 27 June 2010

As customary, the middle Sunday at Wimbledon serves as a no play holiday which is a welcomed respite. No words can fully underscore the uniqueness of the events that transpire this week. From a seemingly never ending first round match, to the champions of the last two years limping their way into the last 16, to the Queen making a rare appearance, to a scandal involving Victor Hanescu. Here’s a homage to the initial six days and a take on what’s ahead.

The French are known for their flare and Nicolas Mahut is undoubtedly part of the establishment. In the second round of qualifying, Mahut outlasted his opponent 24-22 in the third set to advance. Then, Mahut went five sets to make it into the main draw. In the first round of the main draw, Mahut faced John Isner. On Tuesday, the match was interrupted due to darkness after the two split four sets. When the players returned on Wednesday, the night ended with a 59-59 draw in the fifth. Even the scoreboard was exhausted, crashing when the score got to 40+. On Thursday, the match concluded when Isner hit two consecutive winners to break Mahut and grab a 70-68 victory.

The encounter which lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes, shattered all previous records and redefined the meaning of marathon match. The fifth set alone spanned 8 hours and 11 minutes. However, despite a full day’s rest, Isner could not recuperate. The next round, Thiemo De Bakker, who won his prior round 16-14, dismissed a depleted Isner in just 1hour 14 minutes. For Isner, the physical consequences may reverberate for months.

While defending champion Roger Federer did not go to such extremes, it was a struggle to survive nevertheless. Federer was nearly a spectator as 60th ranked Alejandro Falla forced Federer to climb out of a two sets to love deficit, even serving for the match. With a bit of “luck” as Federer put it, he moved on. The Swiss’ second round was also tough as qualifier Ilijac Bozoljac prevailed in the second set tiebreaker. Federer carried the match by capturing the fourth set tiebreaker. The third round, Federer played close to flawlessly against Arnaud Clement.

Rafael Nadal also willed himself to advance. After a routine initial round, Nadal required five sets the second and third round against Robin Haase and Philipp Petzschener respectively. More importantly, Nadal had a flare up of his niggling knee problem and was treated for elbow issue.

Following a five setter with Oliver Rochus, Novak Djokovic thumped his next opponents Taylor Dent and Albert Montanes in the subsequent rounds. British hopeful Andy Murray has been efficient, booting his counterparts in straight sets. Even the Queen’s first appearance at Wimbledon since 1977 did not distract her subject as Murray dispatched Jarkko Nieminen in the second round.

After an uncomplicated primary round, Andy Roddick was rattled a bit by Michael Llodra and Philipp Kohlschreiber the next rounds, pushed to four sets by each. Roddick has friendly company into the second week as Sam Querrey secured a fourth round berth after a five set tussle with Xavier Malisse.

Unsurprisingly, his second tournament back from injury, Nikolay Davydenko fell in the second round. Shocking though was Fernando Verdasco, the 8th seed, Marin Cilic, the 11th seed, Marcos Baghdatis, the 24th seed, and Stanislas Wawrinka, the 20th seed, all exiting their first day out.

Robin Soderling, the 6th seed, has been on cue this week. The Swede has sailed through his matches, duration under two hours. His first event since his back injury, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s performance has been mixed. In the second round, Tsonga went five sets after having a two sets to none lead against Alexandr Dolgopolov. Yet, the following round, Tsonga cruised against qualifier Tobias Kamke.

This tournament has seen a revival of the French veterans. Paul-Henri Mathieu knocked out 13th seed Mikhail Youzhny and De Bakker in the second and third round respectively to earn a spot in the final 16 at a major for the first time since 2008. Also, Julien Benneteau is into the second week after surviving two five set matches.

Conversely, Gael Monfils had his fortnight cut short by Lleyton Hewitt in the third round. Monfils was no match for Hewitt who recently beat Federer in Halle. The Aussie is grooving on grass despite two hip surgeries.

Posted on 19 June 2010

As the defending Wimbledon champion, Roger Federer has been given the top seed despite relinquishing the number one ranking to Rafael Nadal earlier this month. Federer will attempt to capture his seventh crown to equalize Pete Sampras’ record at the All England Club. After injury prevented him from defending his 2008 title, a salubrious Nadal is seeking his second back to back French Open and Wimbledon trophies. However, each man’s section is filled with rivals capable of tripping him prior to the finals. Here’s a look at the draw.

After his historic string of consecutive semifinals was broken at the French Open, Federer had his tight grip on the title in Halle loosen by Lleyton Hewitt. Since prevailing in Australia, Federer has fallen to multiple adversaries whom he has owned and has yet to claim another title. In light of Federer’s vulnerability, it’s perhaps Andy Roddick’s opportunity to avenge his three previous Wimbledon final defeats by knocking Federer out in the semifinals. Beforehand though, Federer could have stiff competition in the round of 16 from French Open semifinalist Jurgen Melzer and in the quarterfinals from either Thomas Berdych or Nikolay Davydenko. But, with the latter just rejoining the tour after nursing an injury for several months, he may be less of a factor.

Roddick may have some trouble of his own to contend with. The American could see Marin Cilic or Phillip Kohlschreiber in the round of 16. Kohlschreiber, the 29th seed, has taken down a few big names in his career which makes him dangerous. In the quarterfinals, Roddick is projected to meet Novak Djokovic. Djokovic has a tricky first round match against Oliver Rochus to whom he loss in Miami. In addition, Djokovic has a potential fourth round encounter with Hewitt. Djokovic’s game has been suffering of late which means that Hewitt has a good shot at reaching the quarterfinals in which case Roddick would be the outright favorite.

In the bottom half of the draw, Nadal could battle big server John Isner in the fourth round. Isner has a game which translates well to grass and could bother the Spaniard. Then, the world number one has a possible clash with French Open finalist Robin Soderling in the quarterfinals. Considering their contentious five set, two day third round encounter in 2007 and with the evolution of Soderling’s game if these two collide, it will be an intriguing match.

Posted on 30 May 2010

The first week of play has come to a conclusion at the French Open. While Andy Murray, the fourth seed, going out in the fourth round to Tomas Berdych was a shock. The biggest eye popper was David Ferrer, the ninth seed, a definite threat to Rafael Nadal in the bottom half, being ousted in the third round in three sets by Jurgen Melzer. With both Roger Federer and Nadal methodically working through their sections, the possibility of a final between these two is very much alive.

Despite stumbling at times, Federer, the defending champion, has pulled through all four matches in straight sets. Robyn Soderling, the 2009 finalist, has played steady ball. Soderling had no difficulty with Albert Montanes in the third round nor Marin Cilic in the fourth round. Now, Soderling faces Federer in the quarterfinals and will get the opportunity to seek revenge for last year’s defeat. Although Federer has an ATP 12-0 record against him, Soderling prevailed in an exhibition in Abu Dhabi this January. Therefore, Soderling will not be intimidated.

The French will have to wait for their homegrown champion yet another year. In the first round, Richard Gasquet went down to Murray in a thrilling five setter. Then, in the second round, Gael Monfils was sent packing in a marathon two day drama. Lastly, in the fourth round, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was compelled to retire against Mikhail Youzhny due to a back injury. Youzhny battles Berdych as the other quarterfinalist in the top half of the draw.

In the bottom half, after outlasting Mardy Fish in a five set brawl, Ivan Ljubicic could not withstand another assault from 22 year old Thomaz Bellucci. Yet, in reaching the fourth round for the first time at a major, Bellucci’s prize is Nadal.

At the start of the tournament, Americans with authentic possibilities were likely Andy Roddick, John Isner and Sam Querrey. The greatest hope was for Isner and Querrey, the latter had prevailed over the former in the finals in Serbia. With no prior clay court competition, for Roddick, it was going to be an uphill battle to make it deep into the draw. In the third round, Roddick was outplayed by qualifier Teimuraz Gabashvili and went out in straight sets. Similarly, in the third round, Berdych expedited Isner. Still, there is a Stars and Stripes bearer into the second week, he is Bobby Ginepri ranked 98th. After beating Querrey in the first round, Ginepri outfoxed former champion Juan Carlos Ferrero in the third round. In the fourth round, Ginepri battles Novak Djokovic. Djokovic has not been performing at his peak, needing four sets in the first round against Evgeny Korolev, had a tough second round match versus Kei Nishikori and another four setter against Victor Hanescu. If that pattern continues, Ginepri has a good shot at an upset.

Posted on 21 May 2010

On Sunday, the 2010 French Open gets underway. Before the first ball is struck at Roland Garros, here’s a taste of how the proceedings may unravel on the gentlemen’s side.

Since 2006, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer had made it a habit of contesting for the trophy on the final Sunday. Last year, Robin Soderling interrupted that cycle by ousting Nadal in the fourth round. After descending a wee bit in the rankings, with a record three Masters clay court titles, Nadal returned to his familiar spot at number two this week. Therefore, this sets up the possibility of a final featuring defending champion Federer and his old nemesis Nadal.

By far, Nadal has been the best clay court player this season. As such, it’s almost a given penciling his name as a finalist. In examining the draw, Nadal, the top seed in the bottom section, appears to have a green line through the round of 16. In the quarterfinals, the Spaniard could see slight resistance from fellow countrymen Fernando Versdasco and Nicolas Almagro. The latter in particular competed well against Nadal in Madrid. Still, Nadal should pull through.

Also in the bottom half are Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic, potential semifinal adversaries for Nadal. Last year, Roddick had a career best showing in Paris by reaching the round of 16. In the first round, Roddick takes on veteran Jarkko Nieminen, then, a possible third round match with Juan Monaco. Hence, the American may say his goodbyes to Paris early. Assuming Roddick advances to the quarters, he could face the second best performer on clay this year, David Ferrer. Considering that Roddick has not competed since the Sony Ericsson Open and with clay being his least successful surface, it hard to imagine Roddick progressing to the second week.

Despite a clay title and two other finals, Djokovic went down in the third round in 2009. This year, Djokovic withdrew early in Serbia and his best result was the semifinals in Monte-Carlo. Consequently, for Djokovic, resting may be a blessing. On the other hand, it could be a curse, not allowing the Serb to be clay fit. With former French Open winner Juan Carlos Ferrero potentially as a third round opponent and Ferrer in the quarterfinals, the third seed could have his hands full before getting a crack at Nadal.

In the first set, after Verdasco survived a love-40 game, he worked his way to double break point. Verdasco broke for a 3-2 advantage. With that sole break, Verdasco went on to capture the first set.

One of Berdych’s greatest issue was too mistakes on the forehand side. His initial game of the second set, Berdych dropped serve. Verdasco then rubbed out a break point to get to 2-0. But, as Verdasco served at 3-2, Berdych picked on his rival’s backhand to get to double break point. When Verdasco’s forehand landed long, the set was tied at 3 all. After double faulting to give Verdasco break point, Berdych maintained serve for a 4-3 edge. As the set progressed, Berdych found his forehand and forced a tiebreaker. In carrying the tiebreaker, Berdych sent the match into a third set.

At 3 a piece in the decisive set, with back to back backhand errors, Verdasco faced double break point. With a spectacular backhand pass, Berdych secured the break for 4-3. After Berdych consolidated, Verdasco held at love to force him to serve for the match. With Verdasco’s forehand miscue, Berdych had double match point. Then, with a forehand winner, Berdych seized the victory.

Tonight, Soderling raced through the first set taking it 6-1 against Youzhny. However, in the second set, Youzhny woke up, making it more compelling. After Soderling sprinted to a 3-1 lead, Youzhny held at love to keep the deficit to one break. The following game, Youzhny had break point and capitalized. Still, Soderling was too much for his rival. The next game, Soderling wrestled another break from Youzhny and consolidated for 5-3. Although Youzhny held at love, Soderling guarded serve to claim the match. Soderling and Berdych will square off in the semifinals. In their head to head series, Soderling leads 4-2.

In doubles action, Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy defeated Nicolas Almagro and Tommy Robredo 6-3,6-0 to advance to the finals. Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi beat Arnaud Clement and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4,6-7,10-4 in the quarters. Tomorrow, they will face Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski in the semifinals.

Posted on 01 April 2010

In the quarterfinals at the Sony Ericsson Open, Andy Roddick quickly dealt with Nicolas Almagro 6-3,6-3 to secure his semifinal spot. Later that evening, Rafael Nadal put Jo-Wilfried Tsonga out of commission 6-3,6-2 to write his name in the semifinal slot opposite Roddick.

With a lighting service game, Roddick started out the match. Then, the American quickly broke and consolidated for a 3-0 lead. After holding service, Almagro took the first two point off Roddick’s serve. That was for not though. Roddick got his serve on track and stretched his advantage to 4-1. Giving Almagro no further opportunities on his serve, the one break was the only difference Roddick required to jump ahead one set to none.

The second set, his first time serving, Roddick obliterated two break points to guard serve. Then at 2 all, Roddick captured the break and consolidated for 4-2. Later, at 3-5 as Almagro served to keep the match alive, Roddick arrived at his third set point with a forehand winner. Roddick bagged the match when Almagro’s backhand traveled long.

That night, subsequent to Tsonga maintaining serve, Nadal double faulted and misfired with the forehand giving the Frenchman break point. Nadal effaced that by sticking a crosscourt forehand pass. That same game, Nadal rubbed out two more advantage points by Tsonga to balance the set at 1 all. The set’s turning point came at 3 all when Tsonga committed an error to eye 15-40. When Tsonga dumped a backhand volley into the net, Nadal went in front 4-3. Immediately though, Tsonga pressed Nadal with a myriad of deuces and two break points. However, the Spaniard did not relent. Nadal increased his edge to 5-3. Shortly, Nadal broke Tsonga at love to bank the first set.

Posted on 01 April 2010

At the Sony Ericsson Open today, the women finalists will be determined along with the semifinalists for the top half of the men’s draw.

For the third time, Venus Williams takes on Marion Bartoli. Their head to head stands at one all. Williams carried their 2007 Wimbledon final match while Bartoli won their last encounter in Stanford in 2009. In the ultimate session, Kim Clijsters clashes with Justine Henin. Earlier in the year, they played in the finals in Brisbane. Clijsters defeated Henin in three sets in what she stated was “ one of . . . most exciting matches I think that I’ve played [in] my career . . . we had a great time out there”.

In the initial male quarterfinal, Tomas Berdych faces Fernando Verdasco. After his amazing triumph over Roger Federer, Berdych attempts to at least equal his best result in Miami, he reached the semifinals in 2008. Berdych has 5-3 record against Verdasco. They’ve split their last two meetings.

Mikhail Youzhny and Robin Soderling battle it out for the ultimate semifinal berth. Soderling has been victorious their last three out of four matches. In Rotterdam this year, Soderling beat Youzhny. Soderling was well on his way to securing the trophy before the Russian retired with a hamstring problem.

In addition, there’s a sprinkling of doubles as Nicolas Almagro and Tommy Robredo square off against Lukas Dlouhy and Leander Paes for a spot in the finals. Arnaud Clement and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga meet Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi in the quarterfinals. Last year, Mirnyi won the title with partner Andy Ram.

Posted on 31 March 2010

Nearly a year, Madrid May 2009, has elapsed since Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal butted heads in an ATP final. Fans were hopeful that Federer and Nadal would rekindle their rivalry at the Sony Ericsson Open. That possibility was dashed in the fourth round as Tomas Berdych beat Federer 6-4,6-7,7-6.

Federer had been fumbling his way through the tournament. Still, the wish was that the world number one’s luck would not run out. Subsequent to Berdych and Federer’s first meeting at the 2004 Athens Olympics where the former prevailed, the latter has claimed their next eight bouts. At the 2009 Australian Open, Berdych carried the first two sets, but still went down in flames. Perhaps that performance bolstered Berdych’s morale leading him to believe that his fortune could be better in a best of three sets contest.

After a double fault gave Federer a break point, the world number one broke to open the match, then consolidated for 2-1. In a game where Federer donated a double fault, Berdych got two chances to break. On his second opportunity, Berdych knotted the set at 3 all. Down the road as Federer served to push the set to a tiebreaker, at love-40, he double faulted to gift Berdych the set.

From the opening game of the second set, Federer applied pressure, but failed to convert on four break point opportunities. The same story was repeated in the 7th and 9th games. Finally in a tiebreaker, Federer captured the second set.

In the third set, after breaking, Berdych stretched his advantage to 3-1. However, serving at 4-3, Berdych double faulted on double break point to equalize things at 4 all. With no break point the rest of the way, a tiebreaker settled the set. Post saving match point at 6-7, Berdych won the next three points to seal the victory and quarterfinal spot.

Fernando Verdasco, Berdych’s quarterfinal opponent, is probably relieved not to see Federer against whom he has a 4-0 lifetime mark. Verdasco triumphed over the 7th seed, Marin Cilic, 6-4,7-6.

In the round of 16, Nadal clashed with countryman David Ferrer. After the two exchanged early service breaks and neither manufactured another break point, the set went to a tiebreaker. In the latter stages, Nadal finally strung together two consecutive points to claim it. In the second set, Nadal went up by a break. However, again, Ferrer crawled back to 4 all. With Ferrer serving to tie the set at 5 all, Nadal gained the upper hand and penned his name into the quarterfinals . Nadal takes on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Earlier in the day, Tsonga sent Juan Carlos Ferrero home in straight sets 6-2,6-2.

Also into the quarterfinals are Andy Roddick and Nicolas Almagro. Roddick defeated Benjamin Becker 7-6,6-3. Almagro prevailed over Thomaz Bellucci in three sets. These two will do battle in the next round.

Unfortunately for Mardy Fish, a sciatic nerve injury caused him to pull out of his match against Mikhail Youzhny. Fish was on the losing end 1-6,0-1 when he retired. Youzhny has Robin Soderling as his quarterfinal adversary. Soderling dismissed Fernando Gonzalez in three sets 6-0,6-7,6-2.

After fighting off Daniela Hantuchova tooth and nail to advance to the quarterfinals, Williams eased her way to the semifinals with a 6-3,6-1 win over Agnieszka Radwanska. Williams secured a break for 2-1 on Radwanska’s opening game. Promptly though, Radwanska squared the set at 2 a piece. Then, with back to back double faults, Radwanska went down 15-30, Williams won the next two points for a 5-4 lead. With an easy game, Williams closed out the first set. The second set, Williams once more took Radwanska’s first service game. By allowing Radwanska only one game the entire set, Williams walked into the semis.

Posted on 31 March 2010

The remaining two women singles semifinal slots will be assigned today at the Sony Ericsson Open. In addition, the men get their singles quarterfinal round under way.

Following women quarterfinal doubles action, Justine Henin and Caroline Wozniacki kick off the afternoon on stadium court. For Wozniacki, this is her initial encounter with the four time French Open, two time U.S Open and 2004 Australian Open champion. Afterwards, Andy Roddick battles Nicolas Almagro. Likewise, it’s the first meeting for these guys. Because the surface is hardcourt and not clay where Almagro has won his five ATP titles, Roddick has the advantage considering his superb results lately. Subsequently, Mike and Bob Bryan face Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski in the quarterfinals.

The women’s night session has Samantha Stosur and Kim Clijsters. Although Clijsters has a 2-0 record versus Stosur, their ultimate collision was in Miami in 2007. A victory by Henin and Clijsters will result in an all Belgian semifinal in the bottom half of the draw.

The evening ends with the match featuring Rafael Nadal and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The only time Tsonga defeated Nadal was in the quarters of the 2008 Australian Open. Since then, they have played three hotly contested matches. With Tsonga performing well in Miami, this should be a great battle.

In addition, the grandstand focuses on male doubles with the team of Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez as well as Lukas Dlouhy and Leander Paes to name a few.